As December 1st approaches, a little elf often begins appearing in homes to join the holiday fun. With busy schedules and holiday preparations, keeping the tradition going can feel exhausting. That’s where this Elf on the Shelf cheat sheet comes in: a simple calendar of daily ideas to keep your elf entertained and your kids delighted all month long.
The Elf on the Shelf is a beloved family Christmas tradition when it’s made easy. This guide is designed to help you plan simple, creative scenes without stress. A downloadable cheat sheet is available at the end of this post so you can print or save the ideas and have them ready whenever you need them.
What is the Elf on the Shelf?
The Elf on the Shelf is a small scout elf who visits from the North Pole each night to report back to Santa. During December, the elf hides in a different spot each morning, often getting into lighthearted mischief that kids enjoy discovering. Families use the elf to build excitement for the holidays while encouraging good behavior.
A common rule in this tradition is not to touch the elf, so they keep their magic.
Elf on the Shelf adds a playful daily surprise throughout December and ramps up anticipation for Santa’s arrival. On the final night, the elf returns to the North Pole until next year.
Tips for a smooth Elf on the Shelf experience
- Keep your printed or digital cheat sheet handy so you can plan quickly each night.
- Set a nightly alarm for after the kids are asleep so the elf can be moved to the next spot before morning.
- On weekdays, keep scenes simple; save more elaborate setups for weekends when you have extra time.
- If you write notes from the elf, consider changing the handwriting style (some families write upside down) to make it feel distinct.
- If the elf “forgets” to move one night, leave a small letter explaining he was too tired to fly back to the North Pole.
- If a child touches the elf, a playful ritual—like spinning around three times—can be used to “restore” the elf’s magic.
When does the elf arrive?
Many families welcome their elf on December 1st, though some start right after Thanksgiving. This guide includes over 75 different ideas to keep the elf busy no matter when your tradition begins.
A welcome letter on arrival is a fun touch and helps set expectations. Printable arrival letter templates make this quick and memorable.
Easy Elf on the Shelf ideas
Below are simple, family-friendly ideas to carry you through each day of December. Multiple options are provided so you can choose what fits your schedule and household. A downloadable version with a single idea per day is available further down the page.
Day 1
- Leave a welcome note announcing the elf’s arrival and excitement to cause playful mischief.
- Have the elf enter through a tiny elf door.
- Make small flour “snow” footprints leading to an arrival letter.
Day 2
- Place the elf tangled in toilet paper in the bathroom.
- Hang the elf from ribbon on the ceiling, mantel, or a wreath.
- Stage a cabinet raid with doors and drawers left open.
Day 3
- Sit the elf in a mug under marshmallows with hot chocolate packets and a mug or two for the kids.
- Have the elf roast mini marshmallows over a small candle (with supervision).
- String Christmas lights to create a zip line for the elf.
Day 4
- Leave a holiday bucket list for the family to fill out, with the elf adding a silly first item.
- Pose the elf reading a Christmas book.
- Put the elf on a toy horse, bike, or scooter for a playful ride.
Day 5
- Have the elf swing from a chandelier or another light fixture.
- Arrange a sock sleeping-bag sleepover for the elf and a few small toys.
- Stage a tic-tac-toe game on the bathroom mirror with a dry-erase marker.
Day 6
- Freeze the elf in a plastic bag inside a container in the freezer for a silly scene.
- Create a “Snowman Nose Rejection Center” with the elf grating a carrot.
- Stack Christmas books into a tower for the elf to sit on.
Day 7
- Have the elf build with blocks or LEGO pieces to make tiny presents or a castle.
- Stage a lost-and-found scene where the elf digs through couch cushions for small items.
- Place the elf conducting a choir of clementines or other small fruit with faces drawn on them.
Day 8
- Buckle the elf into a toy car ready to go on errands or to school.
- Set up the elf inside a cereal box spelling a message with remaining pieces.
- Let the elf nap in a cozy spot like the underwear drawer.
Day 9
- Let the elf play with the Christmas village or among bottle brush trees.
- Create a dryer ride scene with the elf taped in place or leaving an SOS note.
- Play hide-and-seek by covering the elf with several bowls or cups and letting kids guess which one.
Day 10
- Recreate a scene from a favorite movie or show using toys alongside the elf.
- Wrap shoes in foil as if the elf polished them.
- Add a tiny Santa hat to faces in a family photo for a playful touch.
Day 11
- Have the elf play a board game or cards with other toys.
- Leave a grocery list from the elf with ingredients for hot chocolate or cookies and maybe a small coin.
- Pose the elf tucked into the fridge with a little blanket and a silly note.
Day 12
- Hide the elf in the Christmas tree or replace the tree topper with the elf.
- Place the elf among utensils in the utensil drawer for a fun surprise.
- Make a rope of socks for the elf to “escape” with and place it on the stairs or near a window.
Day 13
- Create a flour snow angel for the elf or a brown-sugar beach for a sunny break.
- Stage the elf raiding the pantry, standing on boxes or cans to reach snacks.
- Let the elf play in the makeup drawer for a silly scene.
Day 14
- Have the elf reading a Christmas book on the shelf.
- Set up a mini golf game using a candy cane and small balls like marshmallows.
- Design an ornament scavenger hunt with clues left by the elf.
Day 15
- Bury the elf in the laundry hamper for a playful hideout.
- Wrap items in a lunchbox with holiday paper as if the elf prepared them.
- Create a simple countdown to Christmas with a tiny paper chain or note.
Day 16
- Stage the elf dyeing something green—safe, washable items work best.
- Hide ornaments around the house and leave a note with how many to find.
- Pose the elf practicing sleigh skills with a candy cane sleigh.
Day 17
- Make a fishing scene with the elf catching candy or cereal from a bowl with string and a stick.
- Add googly eyes to produce for a goofy kitchen takeover.
- Have the elf play cards with dolls or stuffed animals.
Day 18
- Set the elf up coloring in a holiday coloring book or pretending to do homework.
- Have the elf draw a self-portrait to inspire kids to make their own.
- Hide the elf among tree branches and challenge kids to find him.
Day 19
- Hang the elf from a garland or strand of lights.
- Place the elf as a tree topper for a funny twist.
- Pose the elf drinking syrup with a straw for a silly moment.
Day 20
- Write a countdown message on the mirror such as “5 days until Christmas.”
- Make a swing for the elf from a toilet paper roll and ribbon.
- Have the elf walk toy pets like dogs or dinosaurs on small leashes.
Day 21
- Set the elf up enjoying treats like cookies or candies with crumbs on his face.
- Hide the elf among stuffed animals for a cozy scene.
- Have the elf start or help with a popcorn garland project.
Day 22
- Pose the elf brushing his teeth with a little paste on his face.
- Stage the elf rock climbing using bows or candy as grips.
- Let the elf take a spin on the kitchen mixer (unplugged and supervised).
Day 23
- Have the elf peek out of a stocking to make sure it’s ready for Santa’s gifts.
- Let the elf cut toilet paper snowflakes for easy decorations.
- Stage a playful scene of the elf grating a potato or crayons into “chips.”
Day 24
- Leave a goodbye note from the elf explaining he’s leaving with Santa to return to the North Pole.
How to save or print your Elf on the Shelf cheat sheet
Each year a fresh cheat sheet is created so you can mix up ideas and keep the tradition feeling new. Download the version you prefer and print or save it to your device.
You can either print the cheat sheet to keep in a drawer or download it to your phone for quick reference. To save the image on a phone, press and hold the image and choose the save option to add it to your photos.
Print versions of the cheat sheet are formatted for standard printers on regular computer paper using either inkjet or laser printers.
Additional yearly versions are available for download if you want different layouts or fresh sets of ideas.
When does the elf leave?
The elf typically returns to the North Pole with Santa on Christmas Eve and will come back next December. Many families leave a small goodbye note or a tiny surprise on the last day to mark the farewell.
Use this cheat sheet to simplify your Elf on the Shelf routine and create fun, stress-free memories for your family this holiday season.